Shirley J. Houck, 78, of Meadville and Ft. Myers, Fla., died Monday, May 5, 2008, at Hope Hospice, Cape Coral, Fla., after an 18-month battle with cancer.

She was born in Butler Oct. 29, 1929, a daughter of the late Arthur C. and Gladys Andres Eckert. She married Donald R. Houck Aug. 1, 1953, and he survives.

She attended Carnegie High School and Duff’s Iron City College of Pittsburgh for two years, and worked for Jonathan’s Department Store in Pittsburgh for seven years.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and the Do-It-Yourself Club, and enjoyed bowling, playing cards, playing bingo and crafts.

Survivors, in addition her of husband of 54 years, include two daughters, Donna J. Waid and her husband, Morris, and Cindy L. Flaugh and her husband, Jack, and two sons, Richard D. Houck and his wife, Anna Marie, and Gerald L. Houck and his wife, Ida, all of Meadville; seven grandchildren, Robin Waid, Charles D. Houck, Thomas J. Houck, Allison Marie Houck, Kristin Flaugh, Amy Flaugh and Danielle Houck; and stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Donna J. Eckert.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral and committal service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Brian K. Jensen, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Burial will be in Greendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral, Fla. 33909-5405.